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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Golding Named to Watch List for Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award
10/21/2026 | Football
DALLAS – The watch list for the 2026 Paul "Bear" Bryant National Coach of the Year Award was announced on Wednesday, with Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding earning a place on the list of some of the nation's top football leaders.
The award is given each January to a college football coach for contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field.
Guiding Ole Miss to a 5-1 record overall and 3-1 in the SEC in his first full season at the helm, Golding as helped the program earn its way up to No. 7 in the nation in the latest AP poll. Under his guidance, the Rebels have earned wins over No. 24 Louisville, Charlotte, No. 7 LSU, Vanderbilt, and No. 13 Missouri to begin the 2026 campaign.
Taking over leadership duties as head coach on November 30, 2025, Golding has been the head coach for Ole Miss in nine games thus far, going 7-2 to begin his career. Golding has earned five wins over ranked opponents, tying him with legendary coach Barry Switzer for the fewest games coached in to hit that mark at nine.
Golding is set to take on his seventh ranked opponent in his 10th game coached at Ole Miss this coming week, as the Rebels travel to Texas to face the No. 18 Longhorns on Saturday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m. on ABC.
The award is given each January to a college football coach for contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field.
Guiding Ole Miss to a 5-1 record overall and 3-1 in the SEC in his first full season at the helm, Golding as helped the program earn its way up to No. 7 in the nation in the latest AP poll. Under his guidance, the Rebels have earned wins over No. 24 Louisville, Charlotte, No. 7 LSU, Vanderbilt, and No. 13 Missouri to begin the 2026 campaign.
Taking over leadership duties as head coach on November 30, 2025, Golding has been the head coach for Ole Miss in nine games thus far, going 7-2 to begin his career. Golding has earned five wins over ranked opponents, tying him with legendary coach Barry Switzer for the fewest games coached in to hit that mark at nine.
Golding is set to take on his seventh ranked opponent in his 10th game coached at Ole Miss this coming week, as the Rebels travel to Texas to face the No. 18 Longhorns on Saturday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m. on ABC.
Tuesday, October 20
Tuesday, October 20
Monday, October 19
Saturday, October 17